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S&P Global (S&P) Assigns ‘A/A-1’ Ratings with a Positive Outlook to Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Reflecting its Robust Credit Profile

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Africa Finance Corporation

The agency pointed in particular to AFC’s capacity to structure and execute complex transactions, and to deploy capital across priority sectors where private financing alone is often insufficient

LONDON, United Kingdom, January 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, today welcomed the assignment of ‘A’ long-term and ‘A-1’ short-term issuer credit ratings, with a Positive Outlook, by S&P Global (S&P) Ratings, following the rating agency’s official announcement.

According to S&P, the ratings reflect AFC’s strong institutional and financial risk profile, underpinned by robust liquidity buffers, disciplined risk management, and the institution’s ability to mobilise private capital for complex, cross‑border infrastructure and industrial projects across Africa. The ‘A’ category assessment represents the highest rating assigned to AFC by a major global ratings agency, reinforcing its position as one of the highest-rated investment-grade African financial institutions, strengthening its standing in global capital markets and supporting continued access to diversified, long-term funding sources.

In its published analysis, S&P emphasised AFC’s expanded scale, broadened mandate and established operating model, underscoring the institution’s leadership in delivering infrastructure and industrial assets that are central to Africa’s long‑term growth. The agency pointed in particular to AFC’s capacity to structure and execute complex transactions, and to deploy capital across priority sectors where private financing alone is often insufficient.

S&P also referenced AFC’s growing continental footprint, with the institution having disbursed US$18.5 billion across 36 African countries since inception. Investments span energy, transport and logistics, natural resources, heavy industry, telecommunications and technology, with flagship projects including the Lobito Corridor, linking Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo — a strategically important trade and logistics corridor supporting regional integration and supply‑chain resilience. S&P commented, “Given its mandate and emphasis on financing critical infrastructure, AFC plays a strategically important role that is not easily replicated by other development finance institutions (DFIs) or commercial lenders, in our view.”

This S&P Global rating is a strong validation of AFC’s financial strength, governance, and strategic role in financing Africa’s infrastructure and industrial transformation

Further AFC investments include ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, supporting the development of industrial zones that anchor local value addition in sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing and logistics, and the Kamoa–Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the world’s highest-grade and fastest-growing copper projects. The Corporation has a history of successful asset exits, including partial exits from ARISE and from Ghana’s Takoradi Port, demonstrating AFC’s ability to originate, scale and responsibly reinvest capital. Together, these investments underline AFC’s capacity to combine long-term development impact with disciplined execution and capital stewardship.

The Positive Outlook reflects S&P’s expectation that AFC will continue to broaden its shareholder base — which currently comprises 60 shareholders, including sovereigns, financial institutions, pension funds and multilaterals — strengthen its capital position, and sustain strong liquidity and asset‑quality metrics as it delivers on its medium‑term strategy.

“This S&P Global rating is a strong validation of AFC’s financial strength, governance, and strategic role in financing Africa’s infrastructure and industrial transformation,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation. “It reflects the institution we have built: a solutions-oriented, execution-driven platform with disciplined balance-sheet management and a track record of delivering complex, high-impact projects. Just as importantly, it reinforces AFC’s commitment to work in lockstep with sovereign priorities, supporting long-term national development plans with bankable structures, catalytic capital, and measurable outcomes that accelerate growth, competitiveness, and jobs across the continent.”

S&P highlighted AFC’s experienced management team, its successful capital-raising programme and track record of maintaining very strong liquidity coverage ratios, even under stressed market conditions. S&P commented, “Based on end-2024 data, our 12-month liquidity ratio was 3.1x (including scheduled loans disbursements), while the six-month ratio was 5.5x. These ratios compare favorably with peers. Under stressed market conditions, we consider AFC’s liquid assets sufficient to service its borrowing and maintain operations through the next year without slowing the pace of planned disbursements.”

The S&P ratings are expected to further reinforce AFC’s role as a catalyst for private investments, as it continues to finance infrastructure, industrialisation and trade-enabling assets critical to Africa’s long-term economic transformation.

Structured Credit International Corp. (www.4SCIC.com) acted as a ratings adviser to AFC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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February 6, 2026

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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February 6, 2026

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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February 6, 2026

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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